Utility reps and public advocates trade blows on rate increase

By Sam Adams

PNM said it needed more cash—now. In the middle of a battle to raise prices overall, the electric company asked for part of that increase as soon as last week. But opponents stopped the measure in its tracks.

Rio Rancho’s chip-manufacturer is asking the state for a significant revision to its air permit just in case the plant wants to expand. This request highlights health concerns that have been rattling around Corrales for years, as Intel sits on a bluff above the southwestern edge of the village.

Without a word and in less than a blink of an eye, councilors paid $626,000 to three law firms for defense of the city in pending litigation. The shell-out was among dozens of other items on the consent agenda at the short April 4 meeting.

For those of us trapped in the 8-to-5 grind, there is nothing more luxurious than sleeping in on Saturday morning and awakening to the twittering birds and the clear sunlight filtering through the window. Pure bliss, right?